“Palliative Care in Home Health Nursing: People Focused, Person-Centered”
By: Nada Sattar, MN, RN
Palliative care has long been synonymous with compassion and solace for those seriously ill within the health sector. Extending this care into home health settings has revolutionized patient care by providing comfort and dignity within the familiarity of one’s own home.
The Education and Training Department organized a webinar titled “Palliative Care in Home Health Nursing” on July 19, 2024, at 9 A.M., aimed at enhancing awareness among nurses and caregivers about this critical subject. The event featured prominent speakers, including Abdulkarim Agga, MAN RN and Dr. Veronica Cristina Brillantes Macaraeg, Msc.
Mr. Abdulkarim Agga emphasized that palliative care in home health focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with advanced illnesses. “In order to maintain the highest form of dignity and respect, caring and compassion must be integrated in every interaction with the patient.,” as verbalized by Abdulkarim. He highlighted that this setting enables holistic care, addressing physical suffering as well as the emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of patient welfare.
The speakers pointed out that the primary distinction between hospital-based palliative care and home health palliative care lies in the venue and emphasis. While hospital palliative care occurs in a clinical setting and focuses on managing acute symptoms and discussions about death, home health palliative care combines clinical elements with a strong emphasis on the patient’s comfort at home. This approach promotes continuity of care, personalization of care plans, and increased family involvement in decision-making processes.
Agga outlined the essential characteristics of quality palliative care, including a holistic approach, patient-centered care, effective communication, support for family and caregivers, and cultural sensitivity. He also emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary team collaboration in the home health setting, involving physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other health professionals to provide comprehensive support.
Dr. Veronica Cristina Brillantes Macaraeg shared insights into the 7 Cs of the Gold Standards Framework in end-of-life care, which include Communication, Coordination, Control of symptoms, Continuity of care, continued learning and development, and Carer support. “These principles enable healthcare professionals to provide high-quality, compassionate care,” said Macaraeg. She explained that applying these standards offers a comprehensive support framework for patients at the end of life, addressing their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.
The webinar concluded with a strong endorsement of palliative care in home health settings as both compassionate and effective in supporting patients with serious illnesses. By prioritizing comfort, dignity, and holistic well-being, this approach improves the quality of life for patients and their families during challenging times. The speakers emphasized that for successful outcomes in home health palliative care; being people focused and person centered. As palliative care continues to evolve and integrate into healthcare, it is set to enhance standards for compassionate care worldwide.
